Research Scientist In Marine Environment And Ecology Of Marine Habitats M - F H/F Ifremer

Application deadline : 20/03/2026

Who are we?
The Ifremer "Biodiversity Environment" unit conducts research work to understand, preserve, and sustainably enhance marine ecosystems and fisheries resources, in a context of increasing anthropogenic pressures (pollution, climate change, overfishing) and strong socio-economic needs (food security, cultural identity, blue economy). Its actions are part of Ifremer's priority theme on "Combining a healthy and nourishing ocean," in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 14) and national and European public policies (WFD, CFP, SNML).

Under the responsibility of the head of the BIODIVENV unit, you will lead ambitious research work aimed at understanding, quantifying, and mitigating the impacts of environmental pressures (chemical pollution, climate change, toxic algal blooms, etc.) on essential marine habitats (mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds) and associated fisheries resources, whether exploited or not.

- Analysis of habitats status (chemical quality, connectivity, ecological functionality) via the ROCCH/ROCCH-Sed networks and innovative tools (eDNA, passive samplers).
- Experimental study of limiting factors (contaminants, climate change) on critical stages of species, relying on ecophysiology and genomics approaches.
- Development of restoration protocols (assisted restocking, habitat enrichment) co-constructed with local stakeholders and validated by in situ monitoring.
- Support for public policies to integrate these results into management plans (WFD, SNML) and conservation strategies.

What will your mission BE?

Your missions will be part of integrative and innovative approaches, combining:

- A multidisciplinary approach:
- Ecology to characterize the structure and functioning of habitats.
- Environmental genomics to identify stress biomarkers and adaptation mechanisms.
- Ecotoxicology to assess risks related to contaminants (chlordecone, microplastics, phycotoxins, etc.) and propose critical thresholds.
- Modeling to predict the dispersion of pollutants and their cumulative effects on ecosystems.
- Different methodological approaches:
- Deployment of passive samplers for spatio-temporal monitoring of contaminants.
- Use of eDNA/eRNA to assess biodiversity, physiological responses of organisms, and ecosystem health.
- In situ and laboratory experiments (bioassays, controlled exposures) to study impact and resilience mechanisms (in collaboration with CCEM and PHYTNESS units).
- Analysis and enhancement of data from ROCCH (chemical contamination of the coastline) and ROCCH-Sed (sediment contamination) networks, in collaboration with Ifremer units (CCEM, PHYTOX) and local partners (OFB, PNMM).

What will your activities BE?

- Defining and implementing research actions on environmental pressures on essential marine habitats and fisheries resources in close collaboration with other researchers in the unit;
- Enhancing work through scientific publications and outreach activities;
- Developing scientific and technical partnerships with partner organizations, locally, regionally, or with units in mainland France;
- Setting up and funding collaborative research projects;
- Participating in research training (supervision of students, PhD, and post-doc);
- Producing opinions and expertise for government services.

Who will you be working with?

- Internally: within the BiodivEnv unit, RBE department management, Mediterranean Center management, RBE department units (CCEM, PHYTNESS, MARBEC), and ODE department units (VIGIES, DYNECO, PHYTOX, etc.), HR, DAJF.
- Externally: local authorities, regional state bodies, OFB, IRD, University of the Antilles, PNMM, ODE.

How are your activities organised ?

- Assignment under local status or fixed-term assignment overseas for 24 months, renewable twice.